After initially targeting a mid-December return, the Cavaliers are hopeful the point guard will make his season debut in the first week of January, The Vertical reported , citing league sources.

Ironically, the Cavs are scheduled to take on Thomas' former team in Boston on Jan. 3.

Thomas hasn't played in a game since suffering a torn labrum in his right hip while playing for the Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals last season, though he started 3-on-3 work at practice late last month. He took another positive step earlier this month when he was able to participate in half-court 4-on-4 live play for consecutive days.

Thomas, 28, averaged a career-high 28.9 points last season before the hip injury forced him to miss the Celtics' final three games of the playoffs.

The Cavs (23-8) will look to extend their winning streak to six games when they visit the Bucks (15-13) at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday.